subsidiary argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subsidiary argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a supporting argument that is secondary to the main argument in a debate or analysis. Example: "In addition to the primary claim, the author presents a subsidiary argument that further strengthens their position."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If the promise is contested, a subsidiary argument kicks in: people don't understand the promise of the technology so we have to explain the wonders of the technology to them.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This, in turn, can help learners to discover main ideas, to differentiate between salient and subsidiary points or arguments, and to detect the text structure.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

For the extreme Left, however, economic arguments are subsidiary.

The Guardian

This argument, rather than the subsidiary battle over health insurance, is the one that the Conservative Party ought to make its priority.

The Economist

His argument prevailed, and USX sold the subsidiaries, for $640 million, to a company owned fifty-one per cent by Blackstone and forty-nine per cent by USX and the company's managers.

The New Yorker

In fact, Abedon suggested that CRISPRs are subsidiary to other defense mechanisms [ 81] using an argument similar to the logic of the vertebrate immune response where an innate immune response provides the first line of defense and an adaptive immune system the second line of defense.

Briefings in Functional Genomics

At present, Ms Fallin said, there was no scientific evidence linking it to drilling or fracking.A pragmatic argument against the rage for gas is its subsidiary costs.

The Economist

The pact is aimed at cutting off any argument that Ally should cover legal claims at the subsidiary.

The New York Times

The biggest hurdle was sorting out objections to WorldCom's argument that the records of more than 200 subsidiaries accumulated during Mr. Ebbers's acquisitive two-decade tenure had become so jumbled that the assets of the parent company and its subsidiaries should be treated as a single big pot.

The New York Times

Knight Ridder's arguments are undermined by an embarrassing fact: The KR subsidiary that runs the two dailies was willing to do a similar deal with SEPTA, one that would have given its papers exclusive access to the transit system.

Forbes

Knight Ridder's arguments are undermined by an embarrassing fact: The KR subsidiary that runs the two dailies was willing to do a similar deal with Septa that would have given its papers exclusive access to the transit system.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a complex argument, clearly distinguish between your primary claim and any "subsidiary arguments". This helps maintain clarity and focus for your audience.

Common error

Avoid weakening your primary argument by presenting "subsidiary arguments" as equally important. Clearly signal their supporting role to maintain the focus on your main claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subsidiary argument" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a supporting point within a larger discussion. As shown in Ludwig, it describes a secondary argument that reinforces a primary claim.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "subsidiary argument" refers to a supporting point that reinforces a primary claim. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct but relatively rare. The phrase is most often encountered in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. When using this term, ensure you clearly distinguish it from your main argument to maintain clarity. Alternatives include "supporting argument" and "secondary argument". While "subsidiary argument" is acceptable, choosing more common synonyms may improve comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supporting argument

This alternative directly emphasizes the supportive role of the argument.

secondary argument

This term highlights the argument's lesser importance compared to the main point.

minor argument

This phrase indicates the argument is of smaller significance.

ancillary argument

This suggests the argument is supplementary and aids the main point.

collateral argument

This implies the argument runs alongside the primary one, offering additional support.

additional argument

This term simply means an extra argument that is made.

supplementary point

Focuses on the 'point' aspect, highlighting that it adds to the main idea.

related contention

Emphasizes the contentious aspect of the supporting idea.

peripheral argument

Suggests the argument is not central to the main discussion.

lesser argument

Directly indicates the argument has less weight or importance.

FAQs

How to use "subsidiary argument" in a sentence?

You can use "subsidiary argument" to introduce a point that supports the main argument but is not central to it. For example: "Beyond the primary reason, a "subsidiary argument" supports this claim."

What can I say instead of "subsidiary argument"?

You can use alternatives like "supporting argument", "secondary argument", or "minor argument" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "subsidiary argument" and "main argument"?

A "main argument" is the central claim, while a "subsidiary argument" is a supporting point that bolsters the primary claim.

Is "subsidiary argument" formal or informal?

"Subsidiary argument" is suitable for formal and academic writing. In more informal contexts, simpler terms like "supporting point" might be preferred.